Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Conundrum 2007

While on a trip to Greensboro, North Carolina, I visited the Green Valley Grill, a wonderful upscale restaurant adjacent to the equally cool O. Henry hotel. The hotel is named after the author, who was born in Greensboro. To prepare for the business meeting the following day, we had a nice dinner at the Grill. The restaurant dining room has a 30' tall ceiling with a 22' mural and plentiful arches. I ordered the Veal Oscar and for a change of pace ordered a glass (or two) of Conundrum. This wine typically retails from $24 to $29 and routinely gets great reviews. It is a white California blend with Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the Napa Valley, Muscat Canelli from Tulare county on the Central Coast, and Chardonnay and Viognier from their vineyards in Monterey County. The "puzzle" of Conundrum lies partly in guessing the combination of grape varieties used because the winemaker never reveals its exact composition.

This is a nice food wine with aromas of green apple and pear. It has high acidity and a taste of citrus fruits. This pleasing glass has a powerful finish.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Chicks for Charity Wine Tasting Sept 30


A special Chicks for Charity Wine Tasting will be held at The Andersons  store in Maumee on Wednesday, September 30, 6-8 p.m. Gather your friends for a  night out and sample some of the lovely wines available at The Andersons. Tasty treats will be offered to accompany the various wines. Wine selections include  Nick’s famous homemade sangria. The cost is $15 per person ($5 of the price will be donated to The Victory Center). Tickets may be purchased at The Andersons, Maumee location at the Customer Service Counter.

Chicks for Charity labeled wine is being sold at all Andersons locations. The wine can be purchased for $9.99 a bottle. For every bottle purchased, $2.00 is donated to The Victory Center. There are four varietals available: chardonnay, white zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Contact Suzanne Belot Norton at 419-254-1311 ext. 4309 or email her at mailto:snorton@reminger.com for more details on the wine tasting.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Why You Should Patronize Your Local Wine Shop

In the Toledo area there you have a multitude of options when buying wine. You see wine in scores of discount chain stores and upscale supermarkets. Online wine stores are just a click away. Most of the time, though, your best bet is to purchase wine at your local wine shop.

I previously worked on Central Avenue in Toledo and was just a couple minutes away from the Vineyard, which was formerly located in Westgate (now in Sylvania). This was a great opportunity to pop over during the lunch hour and pick up a bottle for the weekend or special occasion. I really enjoyed giving gifts to my directors at holiday time because I got to pick out about 10 nice bottles of wine. To me the experience of buying wine in a nice store with educated staff is worlds apart from grabbing a bottle of non-descript wine in a Kroger and leaving with a brown paper bag.

A well-informed wine shop owner or staff member is an excellent source of sound buying advice and tips about what's new and interesting in the store. They can also help find special wines that may be hard to find.
About a year ago my wife and I had special visitors from the University of St. Petersburg in Russia. I wanted to have a nice Chardonnay that would make our meal very special. I stopped in at Aficionado in Perrysburg and asked for help from Steve Parks, the owner. He directed me to a Blackjack Chardonnay that he said was outstanding and at a special price. If you don’t take advantage of the knowledge of the staff, you may be missing out on some real deals and great wines.

When a purchaser for a wine store or wine department (in stores like Andersons or Walt Churchill’s Market) select wines they use their past experience with respected producers and consult wine publication. Next, they taste wines. Lots of them. Relying on their skills, they bring together the quality and the price to deliver value to the customer. If it doesn’t make the cut, it’s not on the shelves. For a good wine shop, there is no bad wine. If it’s not good they don’t carry it.

This is not the case with the large supermarkets. There you may be limited to a selection of only popular wines that appeal to the masses. You’re also (typically) out of luck if you want staff to recommend wine that will suit your taste.

I’m not blasting Kroger or Meijer or Giant Eagle. There are some diamonds mixed in with the gravel. The costs are definitely low. However, there are parts of the wine spectrum that will never be seen at these stores. Also, these large chain stores don’t need your help and patronage to stay in business. They sell plenty of bread, Cheerios and Pop-Tarts.

In addition, a wine shop pays special care to keep its wine in ideal storage conditions. Wine is perishable and can react badly to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Avoid, for example, wine that has been kept in direct sunlight.

I want to draw a distinction here between your typical supermarket, where wine is a sideline, and Andersons and Walt Churchill’s Market. Andersons and Churchill’s have long-time reputations for quality wines and knowledgable staff. Sometimes I think Andersons has the best of all worlds – a great hardware store with power tools and aisle after aisle of unique, quality wines and beers. I became aquainted with Churchill’s through their store on Central Avenue and was always pleased with their attention to their wine offerings. It is great to see them back in Perrysburg. Their wine section in their Maumee store is truly impressive.

In contrast to the typical supermarket, at the wine shop you can find really high end wines from the most important wine regions. You can also enjoy the fun of a wine tasting that feels like a special occasion. The tastings at Corks or Aficionado, for example, give you an opportunity to taste wines around a given theme, rub elbows with fellow wine lovers and learn a thing or two in the process. At the end of the event, you can pick up a bottle of your favorite wine. Each week we will feature a posting of the upcoming wine tastings and events.

You’ll be pleasantly pleased to find that specialty wine shops offer a wide range of prices in addition to the widest selection of wines from around the world. Many local wine stores have moved their bargain wines to the front of the store and devote a fair percentage of their buying to lower-priced quality wines that represent good value. There are many bargains from places like Argentina, Spain, Chile and Australia that are light on the wallet but highly rated by wine publications like Wine Spectator.

Your local wine shop is there to help you find a wine that suits your taste and your budget. It’s a “win-win” for both parties. (Emphasis on parties!)
Photo by Kathleen Tyler Conklin

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Upcoming Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Sept. 28

Another red-letter week for area wine lovers. The Vices and Vines wine tasting event will take place Thursday at Levis Commons and the Island Wine Festival will take place at Put-In-Bay on Saturday.

Thursday, October 1
The Andersons. Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM.Pairaiso Pinot Noir, Armando Sur Malbec Blend, Layer Cake Shiraz, Seghesio Zinfandel. $9 for flight. 

The Andersons at Talmadge 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Italy: The land of a thousand grapes! There's so much to cram into one tasting: Chianti, Soave, Orvieto, Brunello, Barbaresco, Montepulciano, Prosecco, and of course, Moscato d' Asti. 5-8 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. No wine tasting. Private event.

Vices & Vines -- Radio station Star 105.5 and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio will present a special wine tasting event Thursday, October 1, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at The Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg. Tickets are $50. Music hors d' oeuvres and desserts provided by Levis Commons restaurants!  Outdoor rain or shine event - cocktail casual attire. Tickets are available online at http://www.shopleviscommons.com/.

Friday, October 2
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Winery of the Month "Lustau" Spain. 1.Fino "Jarana" Sherry, 2.Amontillado "Los Arcos" Sherry, 3.Oloroso "Don Nuno" Sherry, and 4.Deluxe Cream Sherry5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Italy: The land of a thousand grapes! There's so much to cram into one tasting: Chianti, Soave, Orvieto, Brunello, Barbaresco, Montepulciano, Prosecco, and of course, Moscato d' Asti.  5-8 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. G&M Machmer-Gewurztraminer Spatlese-Germany,McNab Ridge-Petite Syrah-California plus 2 TBD. 

Saturday, October 3
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) Winery of the Month "Lustau" Spain. 1.Fino "Jarana" Sherry, 2.Amontillado "Los Arcos" Sherry, 3.Oloroso "Don Nuno" Sherry, and 4.Deluxe Cream Sherry5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without.G&M Machmer-Gewurztraminer Spatlese-Germany,McNab Ridge-Petite Syrah-California plus 2 TBD. 

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Wine tasting. No reservations are necessary. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight. Average cost for the entire flight -- $7-$12. If the weather permits, enjoy the patio bistro during the wine tasting. Noon to 5 PM.

The 7th Annual Island Wine Festival will be held Saturday, October 3, at Put-In-Bay. Representatives from wineries across the US will be on hand for festival-goers to sample more than 250 of their wines. Also featured will be grape juice, great food, a display on the history of island wineries, winery and grape related merchandise. Entry is $5. You will receive a souvenir wine sampling glass with admission. Sampling tickets are $1 each with samples ranging from $1 to $10, most samples range from $1 to $4. The event is scheduled 11 am to 6 pm under the Big Top downtown in DeRivera Park.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

BG Wine & Cheese Event A Great Success


Corks were popping and glasses tinkling during the 14th Annual Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation Wine and Cheese Social, held last night. It was a smashing success. The crowd -- estimated at more than 350 -- was the largest yet for this annual event. This was the first time the event was held at the Simpson Building and it seemed to be the perfect location. The former church sanctuary was the site of the live auction, led by television newsman Jerry Anderson. Meanwhile bountiful tables of food and silent auction items were down the hall in the facility's meeting room. A nice touch is that guests were able to spill out into the beautiful garden grounds, which was awash with colorful and fragrant plants and flowers.

The wine for the event was generously donated by Norm Heineman and Bowling Green Beverage (shown in the photo with his wife Kathy behind him). Many comments were made that the selection of 12 different wines made this a truly adventureous and fun night. There were some standouts in the line-up, including the Lyeth Red Meritage and the Schild Estate Shiraz. Norm, not sparing any expense, also served up some Pelee Island Winery Vidal Icewine. This retails for about $42 a half-bottle, so it truly was like sipping liquid gold.

Assisting the foundation with this event were the Exchange Club of Bowling Green along with the local Kiwanis and Rotary groups. Their participation certainly helped with the strong turnout and smooth operation.

Super Tuscan Prima Voce Tuscany 2004


A blend of Merlot with Sangiovese, this Super Tuscan style has wine smoothness, layers of flavors, and compatibility with many dishes, especially Italian. Prima Voce is an opera term meaning “leading voice.”
It is indeed an aria of both power and beauty.

This blend balances the Merlot with Sangiovese. Bright and ruby red, the nose exudes black cherry with hints of  black pepper and spice.

This accompanied our meal at Carlucci in a wonderful way. Two thumbs up!

(If you have tried this wine, please make a comment. Click on the link below.)

Friday, September 25, 2009

Update: Wine Line-Up For BG Event Sept. 25


The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation’s 14th  Annual Wine and Cheese Social will take place tonight (Friday, September 15) from 5 to 8 PM at the Simpson Building, 1291 Conneaut Ave., in Bowling Green. Tickets are $30 each and are available at the door.
Here’s the wine line-up from Norm Heineman, Bowling Green Beverage:
  • Mateus Rose, Portugal. Well-balanced, fresh, light and fruity. Made from the best quality red varieties grown in Northern Portugal.
  • Elena Walch Pinot Grigio, 2007, Italy. Compact and fresh, forceful and harmonious with delicate spice. Succulent but dry on the finish.
  • Stoneburn Sauvignon Blanc, 2008, New Zealand. Classic grassy characters underpinned with hints of peppers. Zesty, crisp and refreshing.
  • Salomon Riesling Steinterrassen, 2006, Austria. Crisp, dry Riesling, correct and down the middle with a slight kick.
  • Del Rio Chardonnay, 2007, Oregon. Aromas of green apple, pear and notes of coconut and vanilla. Rich and creamy with a touch of oak.
  • Leonard Kreusch Johannesburg Riesling, 2006, Germany. Classic Rheingau Riesling with crisp, green apple and pear flavors with a hint of minerals. Off-dry finish.
  • Schild Estate Shiraz, 2006, Australia. Shows a nose of ripe cherries, rich spices and licorice with vanilla undertones.
  • Lu Lu B Syrah, 2008, France. Rich wine with a delightful color and flavor with aromas of roasted peppers and spice.
  • Veranda Pinot Noir, 2006, Chile. Red fruit aromas of cherries and strawberries backed by tea, earth and spice. Nicely balanced.
  • Lyeth Red Meritage, 2006, California. From California’s Sonoma County. Luscious and full-bodied with a balanced complexity.
  • V. Karlbach Dornfelder Max, 2003, Germany. Traditional fruity wine with a dark, velvety color. Aged in 100-year old casks to give a silky-smooth texture.
  • Pelee Vidal Icewine, 2006, Canada. Made from the ripest grapes, this elegant rich golden wine has intense apple, peach and mango flavors that linger on your palate.
Also available some interesting beers: Spaten Munich Oktoberfest, Bluegrass Brewing Company American Pale Ale and Tommyknocker Jack Whacker unfiltered wheat beer.
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Photo by Steve Jurvetson

Cuvaison Chardonnay Napa 2007


I had the opportunity to try this Chardonnay while on a trip to Chicago. Our meal was at Carlucci in Rosemont near O'Hare Airport. Carlucci is a great Italian restaurant and is considered to be one of the top restaurants in Chicago (at least in the top 50). It features "handmade pastas and robust wines."

The wine list's lowest entry is $35 for a Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet from Australia and tops out with a $300 bottle of Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia (2001, Tuscany). For our group I picked this Chardonnay as well as a 2004 Super Tuscan (Prima Voce) and that will be covered in another post.

The Cuvaison Chardonnay is from their Carneros estate. Cuvaison  [koo∙veh∙ZOHN] is the French term for the period when grape juice is kept in contact with the skins and seeds during both fermentation and maceration. Critical in the making of red wines, cuvaison allows color, tannins, and aroma to be transferred from the skins and seeds to the juice.

This wine has an aroma of orange and citrus. The body is rich with a hint of minerality. It is a classic. Very tasty and recommended.


Thursday, September 24, 2009

Vino 100 To Open Wine Bar and Lounge

Beginning in Late October, the Toledo metropolitan area will have an exciting new food and entertainment venue, Vino 100 Wine Bar & Lounge, combining the best of food, drink and comfort. The co-owners, Diana Whitman and George Burk, will expand the current retail shop to create a comfortable and intimate environment designed for conversation, and sharing exiting small plates and drink offerings.

Vino 100’s Wine Bar and Lounge will offer an affordable and simple alternative to full scale dinning incorporating an intriguing atmosphere with interesting food and drinks. Vino 100 will combine menu variety, atmosphere, ambiance, special theme nights and a friendly staff to create a sense of 'place' in order to achieve their goal of overall value in the dining/entertainment experience.
“We pursued the wine bar expansion because we believe that great food and wine need not be complicated, Meet-Eat-Drink-Talk. It seems pretty easy to me,” says Burk. Vino 100 will offer a diverse selection of wines, craft beers and artisan cocktails in a comfortable environment that is made even more enjoyable by our knowledgeable and friendly staff. From partnering with Owens Community College Culinary Arts program to purchasing from Ohio’s network of independent growers and producers. “We believe in supporting our local economy and creating a sense of community,” confirms Burk.

Interns from Owens Community College Culinary Arts Program will provide a menu of small plates featuring many local, organic and natural ingredients. “We’re delighted to be working on this project with Vino 100,” said Chef Bill Powell, Program Coordinator at the Department of Food, Nutrition, & Hospitality at Owens Community College. “This is a great opportunity for our students to learn every aspect of running their own small, independent food business.”

Vino 100 Wine Bar & Lounge will offer a full calendar of special events, from wine dinners, to cooking classes to entertainment featuring local musical talents. They will also showcase the works of local artists; all artwork on display will be offered for sale at the end of the showing.

Customers at Vino 100 Wine Bar & Lounge will be able to purchase their favorite wines, gifts, and many of the food items featured on the menu at the Vino 100 Wine Shop located at the front of the lounge. “It’s a real convenience to be able to purchase something you really enjoy without having to look all over for it,” says Whitman.

The Vino 100 Wine Bar & Lounge will be opening in late October, located next door to the current retail shop. Diana and George will be offering all our existing customers an advanced opportunity to Meet-Eat-Drink-Talk at the Wine Bar before it opens to the general public. For more information, please call 419.866.8466

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Batasiolo Winery Showcased


The Italian winery of Beni di Batasiolo showcased its outstanding range of wines at a tasting at Cork’s on Tuesday, September 22. Batasiolo export manager Stephano Poggi was on hand to oversee the tasting and provide the background on the wines. Fives wines were featured including the crisp and elegant 2006 Gavi, which is  made from the Cortese grape. The tasting was bookended by two whites, the Gavi and the Moscato d’Asti, which is a fruity, sweet wine with a bit of fizz. Batting second was the Barbera from Alba, a DOC red wine with an earthy, dark berry flavor. DOC is Di Origine Controllata, which is the second highest tier of wines under Italian wine law. KN termed this a musky wine, although not unappealing.
The wonderful Nebbiolo grape was highlighted in the next three selections. The Nebbiolo delle Langhe  was smoother than the Barbera but paled in comparison with the next two. The Barbaresco and Barolo (both named for their respective Italian towns) were beacons of flavor that stood out from the rest. Both are DOCG wines, the highest tier in the Italian wine system. My favorite was the Barolo, perhaps no surprise since Batasiolo is the world’s leading producer of Barolo. My wife favored the Barbaresco. The wines exhibit an elegant flavor of dark berries that is strong but elegant at the same time. Batasiolo terms the wines as “liquid elegance” and we agree! They are termed the Queen and King of Italian wines and were four times in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100. They were wonderful and we left with a bottle of 1999 Barbaresco (the Queen won out).
We finished with a nice glass of Moscato d’Asti. We’ve had some uninspired Moscato in the past, so this was a pleasant surprise. Although certainly the sweetest of the night, it was nowhere near the sweetness of an ice wine. This is also a DOCG wine and this 2007 vintage had a light golden color with a note of peaches. It’s fizz was a nice cap to a great evening of tasting.
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Save the Date: Mobile Meals Wine Gala Nov. 7

The Mobile Meals Wine Gala will be held Saturday, November 7, at the Stranahan Great Hall in Toledo. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with wine tasting and appetizers followed by a sit-down dinner. After dinner, the live auction begins which features groupings of wine -- some from private cellars. A silent auction will take place throughout the evening. Wrapping up the evening, there will be dancing to the tunes of the band Touched. Invitations will be mailed in September. If you wish to attend, please call Carolyn at (419) 255-7806 or e-mail at cfox@mobilemeals.org and an invitation will be sent right away.

Wine Gala A Sumptuous Success

Monday, September 21, 2009

Vines & Vices October 1

Radio station Star 105.5 and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio will present a special wine tasting event Thursday, October 1, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at The Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg. Tickets are $50.
Attendees are invited to indulge in their vices and help share the power of a wish!  Dance the night away and participate in the "Indulge in Your Vices" raffle.  Enjoy hors d' oeuvres and delectable desserts provided by Levis Commons restaurants!  Learn more about the art of wine from the wine connoisseurs or find your new favorite among the extensive selection of fine wines!
Outdoor rain or shine event - cocktail casual attire.
Tickets are available online at www.shopleviscommons.com or  contact Melissa at Make-A-Wish for more information or to purchase tickets.  419-244-WISH or mailto:mkimball@northwestohio.wish.org
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7th Annual Island Wine Festival October 3

The 7th Annual Island Wine Festival will be held Saturday, October 3, at Put-In-Bay. Representatives from wineries across the US will be on hand for festival goers to sample more than 250 of their wines. Also featured will be grape juice, great food, a display on the history of island wineries, winery and grape related merchandise. Entry is $5. You will receive a souvenir wine sampling glass with admission. Sampling tickets are $1 each with samples ranging from $1 to $10, most samples range from $1 to $4. Wines cost from $10 to $130. There will be retail bottle sales. Find a wine you like and purchase a bottle to take home. Full bottles purchased cannot be consumed at festival. This is a great time to find a wine for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. A silent auction will be held with items including a vacation package, large bottles of wine, etc. The event is scheduled 11 am to 6 pm under the Big Top downtown in DeRivera Park.

Photo by cheshirecat98

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Upcoming Tastings - Week of September 20, 2009


This is shaping up to be a great week for wine lovers, including a tasting at Cork's with a winery representative on Tuesday and a wine and cheese social in Bowling Green on Friday.

Tuesday, September 22
Corks Wine & Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. Corks welcomes Stefano Poggi from the Batasiolo winery for a tasting of his premier Italian lineup. The tasting starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm. Samples will range from their sweet and fruity Moscato d' Asti, all the way up to the dark and brooding Barolo. There will be a $1-2 fee for each sample.

Thursday, September 24
The Andersons. Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM. Talmadge 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Corks Wine & Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. New World vs. Old World The battle to end all battles! We'll pit the juiced-up, fruit-forward wines of the New World (California, Australia, South America), against the earthy, terroir-driven, classical wines of the Old World (France, Spain, Italy, Germany). Find out what happens when worlds collide? 5-8 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without.

Friday, September 25
** Special Event ** The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation’s 14th Annual Wine & Cheese Social will take place 5 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Simpson Building, 1291 Conneaut Ave., in Bowling Green. Tickets are $30 each and are available at the door. This year’s program has a “Wine Around the World” theme. Wine has been generously donated by Bowling Green Beverage. Wine expert (and BG Beverage president) Norm Heineman will be on hand to answer your wine questions. Not only will there be outstanding wine aplenty, but there will also be an assortment of microbrew and craft beers. Of course delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

The event features a silent and live auction with some great auction items. The live auction will be conducted by television newscaster Jerry Anderson of WTOL, Channel 11. It is certain to be a fun-filled, exciting evening.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) California Cabernet Sauvignon: 1. Burch Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Ledgewood Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Pacific Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. 5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine & Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. New World vs. Old World The battle to end all battles! We'll pit the juiced-up, fruit-forward wines of the New World (California, Australia, South America), against the earthy, terroir-driven, classical wines of the Old World (France, Spain, Italy, Germany). Find out what happens when worlds collide? 5-8 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without.

Saturday, September 26
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) California Cabernet Sauvignon: 1. Burch Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Ledgewood Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Pacific Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. 5-8:30 PM. $10 tasting.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Wine tasting. No reservations are necessary. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight. Average cost for the entire flight -- $7-$12. If the weather permits, enjoy the patio bistro during the wine tasting. Noon to 5 PM.

Send Wine: TWAV Sampling and Review Policy

If you are interested in sending wine, books, or products for review, please contact us at twav@att.net for a shipping address. We accept samples and press/media kits from wineries, distributors, marketing and public relations firms and retail shops. If you send products, please note the following:
  1. No guarantee is made that your product will be reviewed. 
  2. We typically review products we are enthusiastic about, but a decision to review your product does not guarantee a positive review.
  3. All products, including wine, that are received as a press sample will be clearly indicated as such on the blog. This is in line with the recently issued FTC regulation.
  4. You will receive an e-mail with a link when the review is posted.
  5. Thank you in advance for the opportunity to sample and blog about your wine.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Penguin Bay Percussion

This intriguing white comess from the Penguin Bay Winery and Champagne House on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region. They have a great tasting room, but if you can't make it there, you can purchase this wine for only $12 online.

We only had to walk next door to our neighbor's house for a delicious roasted rosemary chicken dinner with broccoli, cous-cous, zuchinni and summer squash with garlic and onions. The meal was enhanced by a nicely chilled bottle of Percussion. Percussion is a semi-dry white wine, crisp and fruity with aromas of tropical fruits, especially citrus and mango. A bit on the sweet side, this could stand alone as a very nice sipping wine.

We've had the Maroon Four before and really enjoyed it. The sparkling wines are well worth your time as well.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Sumarroca Brut Reserva Cava NV

We tried this first at a tasting of Spanish wines at Corks and decided to buy a bottle. This is a sparkling wine that tastes like very dry champagne. It has a clear, straw color with a very clean bouquet. My wife decided to buy this as a wine for her when entertaining "the girls." It never made it that far as it was used as the first white wine when we had guests over for a tasting last night. The wine is made from estate-grown grapes in the Penedes region of northern Spain. All the grapes are harvested at night and the free-run juice is used to make the wine. The wine is aged in the bottle for 2 1/2 to 3 years.

This is a very nice wine and very affordable. It retails for about $12.95.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling 2007

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York is Mecca for lovers of dry Riesling. I was introduced to dry Riesling about three years ago. Prior to that all the Rieslings I had were very sweet and my taste had changed to somewhat drier wine. My first taste of dry Riesling was an eye-opener. So much can be done with the Riesling grape: dry wines, semi-dry, semi-sweet or sweet. Just choose your favorite. Dr. Frank's Dry Riesling has received perhaps the most awards of Finger Lakes wine and has received a 93 rating by Wine Spectator. Not too shabby! As a special feature of our recent tasting we wanted to bust out this very special wine and, as always, it was a great hit. The wine has a crisp, minerally taste with a layers of mango, citrus and pear. This is another great value at just $14.99.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurtztraminer 2007 Columbia Valley

We enjoyed this spicy wine in the backyard around the firepit as our evening of tasting was wrapping up. In general, the offerings from Chateau St. Michelle are consistently good. The Columbia Valley Gewurtz is very crisp with a spicy character. This is a great food wine and plays very well with Asian or spicy Indian food. Gewurtztraminer is a nice break from a Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay or Riesling. Walt and Patty, thanks for sharing. Try ordering it next time you are eating out. It has a bright, refreshing character. Nice in the backyard too!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Fulkerson Vincent 2007

We have visited the Fulkerson Winery in the Finger Lakes and really liked their wide selection of wines. They are known for their popular Red Zepplin everyday drinker. Red Zepplin is too sweet for our tastes, but we wanted to try Vincent, a red wine billed as "liquid velvet." This was on a shopping list for our neighbors who brought this bottle back from their recent trip to New York.
I had assumed Vincent was a blend, but it is actually a hybrid grape that was developed in Ontario at the Vineland Research Station in 1967. Vincent was developed to grow well in a cold climate and is the last variety to be harvested in the fall. Only two other wineries in the US produce this as a varietal.
This wine has a beautiful dark, deep purple color. The wine is smooth and rich from start to finish with tastes of black cherry and plum. The wine is aged in French and American oak. This bottle delighted our tasting guests. The price is amazing -- only $9.99. Pat suggested this would go well with a nice steak. Fulkerson also suggests pairing it with Italian food with thick, spicy red sauce. You can order this by mail. Fulkerson can ship to Michigan and Ohio. For other states, check their Web site.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Jomagrha Bison Red 2007 (Penwater, Michigan)

At our recent tasting at the house we led off with Jomagrha's Bison Red (2007). This was a gift from a friend. We enjoy Michigan wines and were anticipating trying this one. Bison Red is a blend of deChaunac, Pinot Noir, Chancellor and Colobel. Colobel and deChaunac were new to me, but they blended together for a very smooth taste; dry with a touch of earthiness. This was a lighter bodied wine with a garnet color. Tastes of red berries. This was a pleasant surprise.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Hello World!

Welcome to Toledo Wines and Vines. I hope you will return frequently. The vision for this blog is for it to be a "go-to" resource for wine lovers in the Toledo area who want to know about tastings, events, locally available wine and to share comments as well.

We are fortunate to be able to live in a time where winemaking has advanced to the point where excellent, affordable wine from around the world is available in abundance at your local wine shop, grocery store or discount store. You can spend more than $100 on a bottle of quality wine -- quite easy to do at a nice restaurant -- but wonderful wine is available for under $20 and perfectly respectable every day wine can be had for $10 or less. We aim to provide suggestions to help.

Our focus at TWAV is the Toledo area. We'll share thoughts and insights on local wine shops, tastings and winery visits. We are in a great region for wine travel, just a short distance from Michigan (Traverse City area), Ontario, Ohio wineries and one of the truly great (but unheralded) wine regions in the country: the Finger Lakes.

So how about you? What is your favorite place for wine tastings in the Toledo area? Where do you purchase your wine?
- D -

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Photo by Mattox

Upcoming Tastings - Week of September 13, 2009

Thursday, September 17
The Andersons. Arghh, Matey – Talk Like A Pirate Day. Maumee 5-7 PM. Talmadge 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Corks, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. South Africa & New Zealand: Two up and coming wine regions! Explore the earth and complexity in S. Africa, along with the bright and vibrant fruit of New Zealand. 5-8 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Friday, September 18
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) 4th Anniversary Tasting: 1.Gruet Blanc de Noirs, 2.Colomé Torontes, 3.Covington Cellars Sangiovese and 4.Rutherford Hills Merlot.  5-8:30 PM. $5 tasting.

Corks, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. South Africa & New Zealand: Two up and coming wine regions! Explore the earth and complexity in S. Africa, along with the bright and vibrant fruit of New Zealand. 5-8 PM. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Saturday, September 19
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444) 4th Anniversary Tasting: 1.Gruet Blanc de Noirs, 2.Colomé Torontes, 3.Covington Cellars Sangiovese and 4.Rutherford Hills Merlot. 5-8:30 PM. $5 tasting.

Vino 100, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Suite D, Maumee – (419) 866-8466. Samplings consist of four designated 2 oz. pours. The wines range in price anywhere from $8-$25. The cost of the tasting is $2 with a purchase, or $5 without. 5-9 PM.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000-- Demetria Wine Tasting. Demetria Estate is a very, very small family-owned winery in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara, California. The winery is dedicated to organic/biodynamic principles. Wines are producer in microscopic quantity. The largest production they do is their Chardonnay, of which 775 cases are made. In the wine industry, that is astounding.

Quality is very high, as you will see at this tasting. The following will be tasted: 1. Demetria 2006 Chardonnay. $21.99, Santa Rita Hills; 2. Demetria 2006 'Cuvee Papou.' $32.99, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, and Grenache Blanc; 3. Demetria 2006 Pinot Noir. $46.99, Santa Rita Hills; 4. Demetria 2006 'North Slope.' $32.99, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Viognier. No reservations are necessary. Cost: $13 for the whole flight, but you pay by the sample. If the weather permits, enjoy the patio bistro during the wine tasting. Noon to 5 PM.

Wine and Cheese Social Sept. 25th in Bowling Green


The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation’s 14th Annual Wine & Cheese Social will take place 5 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Simpson Building, 1291 Conneaut Ave., in Bowling Green. Tickets are $30 each and are available at the door.

The three leading civic groups in Bowling Green (Exchange Club, Kiwanis and Rotary) are teaming up with the Bowling Green Parks & Recreation Foundation to help make this year’s Wine and Cheese Social and Auction a success. This year’s program has a “Wine Around the World” theme. Wine has been generously donated by Bowling Green Beverage. Wine expert (and BG Beverage president) Norm Heineman will be on hand to answer your wine questions. Not only will there be outstanding wine aplenty, but there will also be an assortment of microbrew and craft beers. Of course delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

The event features a silent and live auction with some great auction items. The live auction will be conducted by television newscaster Jerry Anderson of WTOL, Channel 11. It is certain to be a fun-filled, exciting evening.
Flickr photo by star5112

Cinnabar Mercury Rising, Blanc, 2005

This California blend from Cinnabar features Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Semillion. We tried this in our neighbor's backyard while enjoying a fire under the full moon. Taste of green apple and tart. This is a complex and bright taste with white peach and orange blossom flavors.Very light and smooth. Serve chilled, but not overly so, in order to enjoy the nice bouquet. This was a purchase from Aficionado. On sale for$12.75. A great value. Cinnabar suggests pairing this with seafood. We found it also pairs nicely with smores!

5 S's of Wine Tasting


Whether it’s a home wine tasting for friends or a tasting at a winery in Napa Valley, there are some rules that can make it more enjoyable. Always select the wines so that the light, weaker wines come first and the stronger ones follow. Dry wines should precede the sweet ones and typically white before red. Also you should progress according t quality. Don’t start the tasting off with a $75 bottle of Stag’s Leap Chardonnay and then finish with a run of the mill $10 wine.


As you begin to taste the wines, keep the Five S’s in mind: “See, Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Savor.”

See

The first step is to enjoy the wine's color. For white wines, the older the wine the more golden it gleams. It can be a pale yellow all the way to an amber color. Reds can range from a garnet red to a beautiful deep purple. Tip your glass (partially!) and view the color against a white background, such as a napkin or tablecloth, to admire the hue.

Swirl

To release the aroma, gently swirl the wine in your glass. This mixes oxygen into the wine to release the fragrance. To best swirl wine, place the glass on the table and hold the stem of the glass. With the glass remaining on the table, quickly move it in small circles.

Smell

Much of wine's pleasure is in the aroma, which comes from the grapes, and reflects the wine making process. After swirling, immediately place your nose close to the opening of the glass. Gently sniff the wine making note of your first impressions. Depending on the type of wine, you may discover hints of familiar smells such as fruit, spice, floral or even toasted (such as nuts, coffee or cocoa). Higher quality wines will express more aromas than inexpe3nsive, poorly made wines.

Sip

Take a medium-sized sip small sip, roll it around in your mouth for about three to five seconds. Breathe in a little air to once again release the aroma as you are tasting. Notice the taste and the "texture" - how it feels in your mouth, from light and refreshing to full and robust. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to experience a wine’s flavor.

Spit or...


Swallow. The former may sound impolite, but it's not. In fact, it's the only way to taste if you are sampling many wines, and it can be done very discreetly. At many tasting counters, you'll notice a large bucket for that purpose as well as for any leftover wine in your glass. You can reset your palate by eating a piece of bread or cracker. If you aren't driving or consuming many wines, you may prefer to swallow the small samples. Just don't overdo it.

Savor

Most wines have a lingering aftertaste or "finish" even after you have completed the actual tasting. Take some time to appreciate the unique flavor of the wine.

You may want to write tasting notes, which at first might be very simple: deep red in color, fruity. With experience, your notes will become more descriptive.
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